Devon Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the appointment of NEon Solution Ltd as implementation partner for the Greater Devon Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026-2029, covering Plymouth, Devon and Torbay.
The Greater Devon LSIP is part of the Government’s Opportunity and Growth Missions, and represents a significant step forward for skills and workforce development across the region.
By bringing employers, training providers and partners together around a shared set of priorities, the plan aims to close skills gaps, unlock growth and ensure that people across Greater Devon have access to the training and opportunities they need.
Led by Devon Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, its focus is on improving the skills offered, simplifying access to training, strengthening employer engagement, and better aligning systems and services so they work harder for businesses and learners alike.
At the heart of that ambition is a strong operational partnership. NEon Solution – a specialist consultancy founded by Nigel Fenn MBE, Emily Pearson and Steve Hope – brings deep expertise in HR, learning and development, and workforce strategy.
The consultancy was closely involved in shaping the plan from the outset, working with employers across the region to surface the wealth of skills and workforce activity already taking place in Greater Devon.
That on-the-ground knowledge has been central to producing a plan that genuinely reflects local needs and ambitions.
NEon Solution will now work alongside the Chamber to drive LSIP’s priorities, with the full plan due to be published in summer 2026.
Ronnie Carter, Director of Programmes and Innovation at Devon Chamber of Commerce and LSIP Lead, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Nigel, Emily, Steve and the team at NEon Solution. Their knowledge of the local skills landscape, their relationships with employers, and their commitment to making a real difference made them an outstanding choice as partners. This appointment puts us in a strong position to deliver meaningful change for businesses and learners across Greater Devon.”
Nigel Fenn MBE, co-founder of NEon Solution, said: “Devon has remarkable skills and workforce strengths that often go unrecognised. We are proud to have helped bring those to the surface through this plan, and we look forward to working with the Chamber and partners to turn its priorities into real opportunities for employers and learners alike.”
Emily Pearson, Co-founder of NEon Solution, said: “Employers across the region have told us clearly what they need from the skills system. This plan listens to that – and we are committed to making sure the support and training available genuinely reflects those ambitions. We are excited to be part of implementing that change.”
The Greater Devon LSIP is employer-led and sets out the priorities for skills and workforce development across the region. Further details will be published on release of the full plan in summer 2026. For further information, please email lsip@devonchamber.co.uk.
